Monitor Audio

Ensuring that the many different loudspeakers used in a Home Cinema system have the same acoustic neutrality so that sounds blend seamlessly between them.

Each drive unit of a speaker is driven by a separate amp channel, so a pair of two-way speakers need two stereo amps and two runs of cable to each speaker.

Some of the benefits of bi-amping but at a lower cost. You need speakers with two sets of inputs and a split crossover, then send twin runs of cable from amp to each speaker.

Defines the basic cabinet baffle structure weather ported or sealed (infinite baffle)

A shift away from the natural rendition of music. Coloration is undesirable -'boomy' bass, a 'nasal' midrange or a splashy treble, for instance. All colorations tend to get in the way of the music.

An electrical circuit used to split the signal into different frequency bands (splitting the signal into treble and bass for a two-way loudspeaker.)

Measures changes in sound pressure. A change of 1dB is just about audible, while +10dB sounds like the level has been doubled.

Uses an extra centre speaker at the front, which locks dialogue to the screen.

Encodes sound for rear effects channels into the stereo tracks. Needs to be replayed through a decoder to produce surround.

The range, in dB, between the largest and smallest signals reproduced by Hi-Fi.

High-pitched sounds have a high frequency, low-pitched ones a low frequency. Audible sounds range from around 16Hz to 20kHz.

Unit of frequency. One Hz means a signal has one cycle per second.

Equipment that accurately re-produces audio within the range of human hearing.

The reproduction of audio with video material using extra loudspeakers to provide a 3 dimensional effect, to mimic the Theatre/Cinema experience.

Listening rooms designed with sound absorbent walls so as to give correct metre readings without echo or other audible interference.

Electrical property. Low impedance draws a high current flow from the source, a high impedance draws little. So speakers with a low Impedance (lower than 6-8ohms) are more difficult for an amp to drive.

The ability to add weight to the base of a speaker for fine tuning. The tuning is most apparent with the woofer or low frequencies.

Frequency range where most of the instruments and voices are heard. Vital if singers, etc, are to sound natural.

Unit of resistance to current. Impedance of a speaker is measured in ohms. With lower impedance's, more sound pressure will be obtained from a given amplifier.

The maximum safe power for speakers. But be aware that it's easier to damage speakers with an amp of too low power driven hard, than that with too much power.

Sound Pressure Level

The speaker driver handling the treble.

Unit of power. More watts mean more power, but how loud a system sounds also depends on speaker sensitivity and room size.

The large drive unit in a speaker to produce bass or low frequencies.